Stranger in the Theologians’ Den
Shaping My Soul
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Resource Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
Stranger in the Theologians’ Den: Shaping My Soul is a reflective memoir about faith, curiosity, and the quiet transformation that occurs through sustained conversation and community. The story begins when a pragmatic engineer—accustomed to solving technical problems—finds himself welcomed into a long-standing circle of theologians who gather regularly over breakfast to discuss Scripture, philosophy, and the life of faith. At first he feels like an outsider. The discussions draw on centuries of Christian thought and theological tradition, a world far removed from the structured logic of engineering. Unsure whether he truly belongs, he listens carefully, gradually learning the language, rhythms, and questions that shape theological reflection. Over time the gatherings become more than intellectual exchanges. Friendship, humor, disagreement, and thoughtful listening form a community where faith can be explored honestly and without pressure for easy answers. The theologians model a way of thinking that values inquiry, welcomes doubt, and treats theology not as a closed system of conclusions but as a lived practice. As the years unfold, the stranger’s understanding of faith slowly deepens. He discovers that spiritual maturity often grows not through certainty, but through sustained curiosity, attentive listening, and the formative power of thoughtful community.
Endorsements (5)
“Good theologians relentlessly pursue what they can know and explain it with confidence and clarity. Great theologians also apply their discipline to admit what they don’t actually know. The best theologians are not afraid to say, ‘I don’t know.’ Often. Without apology. This book is the journey of a disciplined engineer who has shown us all what a great theologian looks like.”
“This book is a profound blessing to ponder. Over the twenty years Willy Kotiuga spent as an electrical engineer meeting with a group of very diverse Christian theologians, he concluded, ‘Theology . . . is not about finding definitive answers but about embracing the mystery and the beauty of the divine in every aspect of life’ (p. 27).”
“The mind of an engineer, the heart of a pastor and evangelist, the curiosity of a theologian, the vision of an entrepreneur, and the stature of a statesman. . . . This unique and insightful book reflects the depth and breadth of Willy’s pilgrimage into the world of theology by a master engineer! His blending of these two worlds is both inspiring and instructive.”
“For the past forty-six years, I have watched my friend wrestle with the big questions of integrating faith in Lordship of Jesus Christ to his vocation in electrical engineering with companies and governments across the globe. This book tells the back story and the influences of the Theology Breakfast Club on his life. His biblical reflections from the life and book of Daniel, weaved into his life story from exchanges in the club give it away. Willy, you are teaching all of us how to see the work and the mission of the triune God in fresh ways. Thanks.”
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